Bangkok Police Chief reiterates ban on public protests

[webfact]

BKK Police Chief Reiterates Ban On Public Protests
By Khaosod English

BANGKOK — The Commander of Bangkok’s police force has reminded the public that the military junta’s ban on protests applies to all political causes and factions.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Amnuay Nimmano said at a press conference yesterday that police will not tolerate any protests.

"It's considered a violation of martial law," Pol.Maj.Gen. Amnuay said. "We have already talked about this, but there are still violations. Even if they stage a peaceful assembly and claim the constitutional protection of such action, they cannot do that, because there is no constitution at the moment."

Although the 2014 interim charter, which was drafted by Thailand’s military junta, protects "all human dignity, rights, liberties and equality of the people" under Section 4, Thai authorities have continued to crackdown on dissidents and ban all forms of political activity.

Pol.Maj.Gen. Amnuay emphasized that demonstrations will not be permitted anywhere near the Government House — a rallying point of many protests in the past — even if the demonstrators merely intend to petition the government about their grievances.

"Anyone who genuinely has problems about their livelihood or agricultural crops must send representatives to submit petitions through complaint centres across the 77 provinces," Pol.Maj.Gen. Amnuay said. "They cannot besiege the Government House or put up tents like before. Don't come here."

Those who violate the ban on public protests may be sent to face trial in martial court and sentenced to one year in prison, Pol.Maj.Gen. Amnuay warned. Two weeks ago, a military court in Chiang Rai province sentenced an anti-coup protester to a three-month suspended jail term and a fine of 5,000 baht for organising an anti-coup rally on 25 May.

The Bangkok police chief's statements came a day after police broke up a demonstration organized by seven activists who were campaigning for a slew of energy reforms, including the nationalisation of Thailand's petroleum industry.

The group was led by the well-known Thai nationalist Veera Somkwamkid, who spent almost five years in a Cambodian prison for trespassing across the border in December 2010.

The activists, calling themselves “Partnership for Energy Reform,” defied the ban on public gatherings when they marched from Victory Monument in central Bangkok to Jatujak Park on Sunday. The police eventually broke up the protest and hauled Mr. Veera away. He is currently in military custody.

Mr. Veera's arrest is notable because his group of activists widely support the military coup, while most of the demonstrators who authorities have detained and prosecuted in recent months have belonged to the anti-coup network.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1409049816&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2014-08-26

[Robespiere]

"Mr. Veera's arrest is notable because his group of activists widely support the military coup, while most of the demonstrators who authorities have detained and prosecuted in recent months have belonged to the anti-coup network."

Interesting development.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

[dominique355]

...and on what basis is the Martial Law exactly, if the Police does not recognize the Interim Constitution?

[Mango Bob]

You can only hold the people back from protesting for so long. Some day it has to change. Maybe some are just going to sit and wait it out. That will be when we know if the coup was successful or not to bring peace to the country.

[djjamie]

Junta to protestors - Those who violate the ban on public protests may be sent to face trial in martial court and sentenced to one year in prison

PTP to protestors - Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi threatened to arrest protesters who showed up at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai.

Junta request protestors - "Anyone who genuinely has problems about their livelihood or agricultural crops must send representatives to submit petitions through complaint centers"

PTP request to protestors - Comparing them to "garbage", suggesting that there was no place for them and that their concerns and that their opinions were worthless.

The only thing analogous to the ease at which Bach composed masterpieces in his youth is the ease at which one can compare the PTP to a dictatorship and to think, THAT dictatorship was elected. Just as the magic of Bach's compositions that swim in the sub conscience of ones soul is lost on the deaf, the injustices of the PTP is lost on the blind. That is why reform is needed. So the blind can see.

The road to true democracy is hard fought as history has shown. The Junta have a battle ahead and some liberties need to held back to ensure the infestation of violence does not resurface. This is an example of the Right Honorable General Prayuth saving lives again like he did on the 22nd of May when the PDRC protests ceased.

Good luck.

Edited August 26, 2014 by djjamie

[Robespiere]

Junta to protestors - Those who violate the ban on public protests may be sent to face trial in martial court and sentenced to one year in prison

PTP to protestors - Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi threatened to arrest protesters who showed up at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai.

Junta request protestors - "Anyone who genuinely has problems about their livelihood or agricultural crops must send representatives to submit petitions through complaint centers"

PTP request to protestors - Comparing them to "garbage", suggesting that there was no place for them and that their concerns and that their opinions were worthless.

The only thing analogous to the ease at which Bach composed masterpieces in his youth is the ease at which one can compare the PTP to a dictatorship and to think, THAT dictatorship was elected. Just as the magic of Bach's compositions that swim in the sub conscience of ones soul is lost on the deaf, the injustices of the PTP is lost on the blind. That is why reform is needed. So the blind can see.

The road to true democracy is hard fought as history has shown. The Junta have a battle ahead and some liberties need to held back to ensure the infestation of violence does not resurface. This is an example of the Right Honorable General Prayuth saving lives again like he did on the 22nd of May when the PDRC protests ceased.

Good luck.

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

[djjamie]

Junta to protestors - Those who violate the ban on public protests may be sent to face trial in martial court and sentenced to one year in prison

PTP to protestors - Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi threatened to arrest protesters who showed up at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai.

Junta request protestors - "Anyone who genuinely has problems about their livelihood or agricultural crops must send representatives to submit petitions through complaint centers"

PTP request to protestors - Comparing them to "garbage", suggesting that there was no place for them and that their concerns and that their opinions were worthless.

The only thing analogous to the ease at which Bach composed masterpieces in his youth is the ease at which one can compare the PTP to a dictatorship and to think, THAT dictatorship was elected. Just as the magic of Bach's compositions that swim in the sub conscience of ones soul is lost on the deaf, the injustices of the PTP is lost on the blind. That is why reform is needed. So the blind can see.

The road to true democracy is hard fought as history has shown. The Junta have a battle ahead and some liberties need to held back to ensure the infestation of violence does not resurface. This is an example of the Right Honorable General Prayuth saving lives again like he did on the 22nd of May when the PDRC protests ceased.

Good luck.

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

I was not talking about the regime's election wins previously.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

I don't even know what you are trying to express here?

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

Completely agree. And that is why reform is needed so progress is not confused with regress when one is allowed to call voters garbage while threatening to arrest them and to suggest that their opinions are worthless.

I see your eyes are opening. Let the music in my dear friend.

[jesimps]

Rather be called a "garbage" voter than not have the right to vote at all. I like Bach by the way but prefer CPE to JS.

[JimG]

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill said a similar thing about the USA back in the day. He said "The Americans usually do the right thing, after they've tried everything else first". I get the same feeling about what's happening now in the Land Of Smiles.

Edited August 26, 2014 by JimG

[Ricardo]

"Mr. Veera's arrest is notable because his group of activists widely support the military coup, while most of the demonstrators who authorities have detained and prosecuted in recent months have belonged to the anti-coup network."

Interesting development.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

I wonder if he would be quite so content, if the government reclaims all oil-rights, in long-disputed areas of the Gulf-of-Siam ?

But he also has his 'Ugandan' gold-mines & his diamond-trading, to occupy his attention.

[siampolee]

Robespeire post # 2

"Mr. Veera's arrest is notable because his group of activists widely support the military coup, while most of the demonstrators who authorities have detained and prosecuted in recent months have belonged to the anti-coup network."

Interesting development.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

The truth of the matter is that the law is being applied equally across the board not as a selective tool to silence or stifle any oposition as was the case under the previous administration.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show in China I believe now whilst seething in anger at his defeat and the thwarting of his plan to establish a new political family ruling dynasty (dictatorship).

[Thanet]

Junta to protestors - Those who violate the ban on public protests may be sent to face trial in martial court and sentenced to one year in prison

PTP to protestors - Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi threatened to arrest protesters who showed up at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai.

Junta request protestors - "Anyone who genuinely has problems about their livelihood or agricultural crops must send representatives to submit petitions through complaint centers"

PTP request to protestors - Comparing them to "garbage", suggesting that there was no place for them and that their concerns and that their opinions were worthless.

The only thing analogous to the ease at which Bach composed masterpieces in his youth is the ease at which one can compare the PTP to a dictatorship and to think, THAT dictatorship was elected. Just as the magic of Bach's compositions that swim in the sub conscience of ones soul is lost on the deaf, the injustices of the PTP is lost on the blind. That is why reform is needed. So the blind can see.

The road to true democracy is hard fought as history has shown. The Junta have a battle ahead and some liberties need to held back to ensure the infestation of violence does not resurface. This is an example of the Right Honorable General Prayuth saving lives again like he did on the 22nd of May when the PDRC protests ceased.

Good luck.

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

PTP were elected, time and time again (TRT, PPP) and will be again.

I was not talking about the regime's election wins previously.

(In fact, they will win with greater ease than your dead friend Bach ever achieved anything)

I don't even know what you are trying to express here?

Despite all of humanities flaws we somehow mange to get it right in the end, much to the chagrin of those who stand in the way of progress.

Completely agree. And that is why reform is needed so progress is not confused with regress when one is allowed to call voters garbage while threatening to arrest them and to suggest that their opinions are worthless.

I see your eyes are opening. Let the music in my dear friend.

Do you really like military music?

[MediaWatcher]

siampolee, on 27 Aug 2014 - 08:25, said:siampolee, on 27 Aug 2014 - 08:25, said:

QuoteQuote

Robespeire post # 2

"Mr. Veera's arrest is notable because his group of activists widely support the military coup, while most of the demonstrators who authorities have detained and prosecuted in recent months have belonged to the anti-coup network."

Interesting development.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

The truth of the matter is that the law is being applied equally across the board not as a selective tool to silence or stifle any oposition as was the case under the previous administration.

QuoteQuoteThaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show in China I believe now whilst seething in anger at his defeat and the thwarting of his plan to establish a new political family ruling dynasty (dictatorship).

The only reason the law is being applied, according to you, equally, is because the junta wants absolute control this is what we also see in China, is this really good for Thailand, maybe not, is this good for the "unelected", by the people, prime minister, you bet it is Absolute control with the power of the military behind him. I know some will say changes have happened, but hey, what we haven't seen is any power brokers being brought to answer. Look at Phuket, a few taxi drivers charged, illegal restaurants destroyed but no-one in power, eg the governor, have been brought to answer. This appears to be another "look, we are doing things" but not really stopping those who allowed the corruption or illegal activities to take place. The "prime minister", as we all know, comes from a powerful/influential background, do we really think he will be allowed to investigate the HiSo's.

Edited August 27, 2014 by MediaWatcher

[AleG]

The only reason the law is being applied, according to you, equally, is because the junta wants absolute control this is what we also see in China, is this really good for Thailand, maybe not, is this good for the "unelected", by the people, prime minister, you bet it is Absolute control with the power of the military behind him. I know some will say changes have happened, but hey, what we haven't seen is any power brokers being brought to answer. Look at Phuket, a few taxi drivers charged, illegal restaurants destroyed but no-one in power, eg the governor, have been brought to answer. This appears to be another "look, we are doing things" but not really stopping those who allowed the corruption or illegal activities to take place. The "prime minister", as we all know, comes from a powerful/influential background, do we really think he will be allowed to investigate the HiSo's.

Oh, the incessant whining; if the Junta doesn't go against the "yellows" whine and moan about the double standards, if the Junta does go against "yellows" whine and moan that it's because they want absolute control. Whining if they do, whining if they don't. Conclussion, some people like to whine.

By the way:

Karon Mayor arrested for taxi-mafia connections

PHUKET: Tawee Thongcham, mayor of Phuket's tourist-popular beach area Kata-Karon, was arrested today for his alleged connection to the powerful taxi mafia.

Now what are you going to complain about now?

[rickirs]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Robespeire post # 2

"Mr. Veera's arrest is notable because his group of activists widely support the military coup, while most of the demonstrators who authorities have detained and prosecuted in recent months have belonged to the anti-coup network."

Interesting development.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

The truth of the matter is that the law is being applied equally across the board not as a selective tool to silence or stifle any oposition as was the case under the previous administration.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show.

Thaksin is contentedly sitting on the sidelines watching the show in China I believe now whilst seething in anger at his defeat and the thwarting of his plan to establish a new political family ruling dynasty (dictatorship).

"The truth of the matter is that the law is being applied equally across the board..."

We are talking here about the exercise of martial law as dictated and enforced by the Junta irrespective of the guarantees of civil liberties provided under the Interim Constitution. The truth of the matter is that the military has absolute power over the Thai people at all times whenever it chooses to exercise such power. The Coup violated the civil liberties guaranteed by the 2007 Constitution, now violates the Interim Constitution that's not even a month old. Do you not see a pattern here of abuse of power?